Taken Outback (The Dusty Rider Series Book 1)

by Stella Knights

  “Well, you must tell me what I can do to help around here. I need something to keep me busy while you work.”

  Scratching his chin, Aiden says, “Well, if you really want to, you could get together some food to take out with us tonight.” He walks over to the window and scans the horizon. “It looks like it’d be a good night for a camp out near the rocky ledge.”

  “I think I can manage getting a few things together.” I grin at him as he walks out the door.

  An hour later, I decide to make up some American southern style potato salad. Gathering the ingredients from the pantry, I remember Aiden said he had planted a herb garden and that he likes things fresh. Thinking his herbs would go great in the salad, I put on my shoes and wander out towards the stables.

  Walking to find the garden, I listen to the soothing sounds of birds and whatever animals are singing their song in this dry heat. I’m mesmerised by the extensive view of this place every time I walk outdoors. A few billowy, white clouds are dotted along the horizon, but too far away to hope for any rain.

  Behind the stables, I find the herb garden near what I guess is the chook house. I walk into the rows of plants to look for some dill and parsley. As I bend down to pick some of the parsley, I hear something shifting around behind me.

  I scream out as I see a long brown snake slithering amongst the herbs. I freeze in fear as I watch it slithering away from the garden and stables.

  Aiden runs towards me as I’m trying to convince myself the snake is gone and it’s okay to move.

  He’s out of breath as he reaches me. “What’s wrong? I heard you scream.”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I just got scared because I saw a big snake here in the herbs.”

  “Where did he go?”

  I point out the direction to Aiden and he goes to take a look.

  He searches around for a few minutes but does not find it. He returns to my side, placing his hand on my shoulder. “I think he’s gone. Let’s get you back inside.” He pulls me close and kisses me.

  Once we are inside the house, I realise I might have overreacted. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have screamed like that. I just didn’t expect…”

  “No, don’t apologise. You’re not used to this sort of stuff. Snakes can even scare the toughest stockmen sometimes. I’m just glad you’re okay.” As he turns to go back out to the shed, he pokes fun at me. “You know your scream was quite loud, so the snake was probably more scared of you.”

  I laugh awkwardly as I’m not quite convinced that a snake would be more scared of me.

  Oh, why did I ever watch any of those documentaries on Australia’s deadliest animals?

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  AIDEN IS TAKING me out on Dusty to have my first experience camping out somewhere on his property. As we ride off, I nuzzle my nose into his shoulder, taking in his heady scent of leather mixed with sandalwood.

  After riding for a while, we find the cattle that Aiden needs to check on. I’m still not sure what a stockman does with his cattle, but I guess I will learn soon enough.

  I’m a fish out of water here, not knowing anything that needs to be done or even how to do it. I might only be good at taking care of Aiden’s carnal needs, but hopefully, I can learn a few other things to show my worth.

  Will I be here long enough to be able to learn?

  When I get off the horse, I take a moment to look around, finding the view is breathtaking as usual. We are on the edge of what most would call the outback. We are a long way from the homestead, but still on his land. Seeing the endless pastures, I realise I have no idea how expansive Aiden’s property is.

  There is so much room out here for me to grow. Endless possibilities that I never knew even existed because I was so sheltered, as well as jaded, by city life.

  We’ve stopped on a hillside, near a rocky outcropping that gives us a clear view of the vista spread out below. Undulating grassy hills with dusty ochre patches and sparsely set trees. As I breathe in the fresh air, I wonder why Aiden ever considered living in the city would be better than living out here in the country.

  It dawns on me that as each day passes, I slip further away from my old life, not missing it anymore. Not wanting it anymore, either. I no longer look for anything that I could use to navigate back home if I wanted to leave.

  As I take off the Akubra, a refreshing breeze crosses my face, bringing respite to my heated skin. There are a few unthreatening clouds on the horizon that won’t be giving relief to the ground around me that begs for rain.

  Aiden walks towards me with an unmistakable swagger that excites my insides. “That was a good ride out. Now, it’s time to relax and enjoy the sunset.” He takes in a deep breath, smiling as he enjoys the crisp air.

  He gently rolls out two swags next to each other, causing his shirt to tighten over his husky shoulders. Standing back up, he scratches his chin, while scuffling a few rocks out of the way of his feet. “I’ll build the fire here.”

  He moves with manly confidence and determination. There’s never any hesitation in his actions as if this whole existence is natural and normal to him.

  “This will be our spot for the night.”

  I watch as he sets up a campfire. Once it is going, he throws a blanket down against the swags. He grabs my hand to pull me down onto the blanket next to him.

  The fire is beginning to build and I see it flickering back at me in Aiden’s longing eyes as he watches the sunset in the background. “Isn’t it amazing out here?”

  “This is beautiful, Aiden.”

  “You know this was one of the things I missed when I was inside. The way the sunset looks, the space, breathing in that crisp air. Feeling freedom that most don’t even realise they have.” I see Aiden stare off into the sunset as if this was the first and last one he will see.

  There is a haunting pain in his eyes, but I am not ready to ask about it. There is so much I do not know about this man and what he has been through. There is also so much he does not know about me.

  I wonder if knowing any of this would change how we feel about each other.

  Aiden pulls out the food I packed and a bottle of red wine. Realising we only brought one fork, he begins to feed me first. He never falters from thinking of me before himself. This is something I’m still not used to because with Tom my life was always about Tom’s needs first. I came second to everything, while with Aiden, it’s completely the opposite.

  When we finish eating, Aiden does one last check on things. When he comes back, he grabs my hand as he sits down next to me on the blanket. He tops up our glasses of wine and gently slips off my shoes. He unbuttons the top buttons of my shirt so that it falls open, exposing my chest and neck.

  I get goose bumps as the breeze wafts against my bare skin. He gets behind me, pushes my hair to the side and begins to rub my shoulders. His strong hands against my skin arouse my insides as each sip of wine relaxes me more against his touch.

  He stares at the sun dropping lower and lower. “So, what do you think of this sunburnt land?”

  “It’s too beautiful for words.”

  “Like you, also too beautiful for words.” He kisses me against my neck.

  Thankfully, I’m lying down against Aiden and he can’t see me blush. Or so I think.

  Holding me tighter, he says, “I know you’re blushing, Holly. Even if I can’t see you.” He kisses the top of my head. “Don’t worry, I like making you blush.”

  I wonder why he would want to be anywhere but out here in the bush. “Why did you ever want to leave this place? It’s stunning.”

  “Why I wanted to leave is a story for another time. I just want to focus on you and this night. I want to show you the stars and dark night that remind me of my favourite poem.”

  Turning to face him, I question, “Favourite poem? You like poetry?”

  A playful grin spreads across his face. “Yes, I like poetry. I like reading lots of things. You know if I didn’t know any better, you sound like maybe you thought
country folk, or stockmen in particular, are not intellectual.”

  I didn’t mean to offend him. “No, no, I didn’t think that at all.”

  Laughing he turns me back around and pulls me against him again. “I’m just kidding. I know you didn’t intend for that to sound like you were poking fun at me.”

  “So, ahh, what’s this favourite poem of yours?”

  “The Man From Snowy River. I’m guessing you never heard of it?”

  Innocently I shake my head. “No, I haven’t.”

  “Well, now who is looking a little unintelligent?” Aiden says, teasing me.

  “Hey now.” I turn back to look at him.

  He laughs, turning my body back to face the sunset. “Just kidding. Now, relax and watch the sunset. This is the best part as it disappears below the horizon.”

  I sigh as he cuddles around me. I cannot imagine being anywhere but here in his embrace.

  After a little while, Aiden pulls me down so that we are laying against each other as we view the last flicker of sunlight disappear under the horizon.

  His breath is hot against my cool skin, sending a shiver up my spine, as he whispers, “Look up at the stars, love.” Looking up, there are millions of stars shining back at me, as he begins to kiss the nape of my neck. “This is what I wanted you to see. The stars are mesmerising out here. So, beautiful, just like you. If you wait a few minutes, you will probably see a falling star.”

  He hugs me tightly as he speaks, making me feel as though I am the centre of his universe. I sense longing in his kiss as he takes his time savouring me. His strong hands move to hold mine close to him. “You know, you make me feel as though I’ve finally caught a falling star.”

  He caresses the inside of my arm as he pulls me even closer against him. His firm, bulging muscles are almost bursting through his shirt, aching to be touched. He pushes my head down towards my left shoulder as he kisses me firmly against my neck.

  Holding me so I cannot move, he makes me feel as though he has me swaddled safely, in complete submission. Under these sparkling stars, he is taking his time to let my fire for him build before he will rein it back in and try to contain it.

  Simply staring at the stars, we lay like this for a long while, enjoying the sensation of our bodies pressed against each other. Soon, Aiden moves underneath me, pushing my shirt further off with his free arm.

  He’s slow and calculated with his seduction of me every time, teaching me how to savour each moment and not rush into anything.

  Always the pleasure delayer. Always relishing in prolonging the pleasure my body craves no matter how much I beg.

  He shifts to position himself so that he’s not quite underneath me but can now use his mouth to remove my bra straps. Letting his hot breath linger against my skin, he tantalises me, pushing me to be a slave to my desire. Each strap of my bra slowly falls to the side as he frees my breasts from the restraint holding them back.

  My nipples get taut as the cool air blows against their bareness. Using his strong hands, he cups them gently, caressing and kneading each one. I love having the strength of those big hands against my skin, but now, in this moment, I’m dying to get his mouth to replace their touch.

  I arch my back hoping he will take this as a sign I’m begging for more. But true to form, he does not let me have what I want so easily. He shifts his powerful legs over mine to hold me down in place as he takes a few moments to decide what he will do to me next.

  I want to beg, but all I can muster is a whimper as he puts his finger into my mouth to tell me to stay quiet. I suck this finger between my lips, wanting to turn him on, show him what I can do for him in return, if he would just let me ravish him.

  His hands caress the soft skin on my stomach as he continues kissing my neck. His heated breath against my skin teases me into submission as his hands work their magic against my flesh. They are gentle as they rub further and further down, fuelling my desire as they move across my body. I know the power these hands have as I bend my back harder against him trying to force him to move where their strength is wanted most.

  He takes a break from kissing my neck long enough to whisper, “Keep looking at the sky for your falling star.”

  I do as he commands while he eases me down onto my back. He pulls me right on top of him, leaving me still staring towards the sky. His fingers unbutton my pants and slowly release the zipper. One of his hands slides down underneath into my silk panties while his other hand pushes against my left thigh to spread my legs wider.

  Using his right hand, he rubs against me lower and lower until he hesitates right above my entrance. The fire is breaking through its border inside me and I do not know how much more I can wait for the release I need. I’m trying to stay silent like he asked, but I fear I may scream out begging for mercy if he makes me wait any longer.

  He uses his legs, first to push my pants down to my ankles, then to again hold me in place as he begins his sweet assault on me. He slides one finger slowly inside me. I’m so wet that it does not take much for it to work its way inside.

  He works me, moving his finger in, out and in circular motions. I’m becoming greedy in my desire. I want more and I think Aiden knows this because within seconds I have the sensation of a second finger joining the first one, sliding right inside me. In and out, in and out, slowly, calculated. But I still want more. And I want it deeper.

  My pants are in the way, so I start to ask for them to be removed, but he places his left hand to my mouth and whispers “Shhhh…keep watching the stars.”

  He remains firmly in place, keeping his legs wrapped tight around me, forcing my legs to stay down and wide.

  I cannot move, but I’m enjoying submitting to him, letting him take command of my body with those big, solid hands. Rhythmically, he uses his long fingers against my sex until he senses my insides gripping against him. I get tighter and tighter, closer and closer to coming.

  I arch my back against him again, hoping he will release me into the fit of passion my body aches for. I tighten up further as he bites my neck and quickly pulls out his fingers from inside. I moan out in distress as I was left so close in getting what my body craves.

  No, give me what I want, Aiden!

  He releases his legs and their grip around me as he rolls out from underneath me. Gently, he pushes me down so that I’m lying on my back.

  I try to grab at his pants to remove them, but he stops my hand from touching him. “Keep your hands behind you.” He looks at me like an animal hunting its prey. “I think it may be fun to tie you up and tease you.” His hard muscles flex as he reaches into his nearby pack and pulls out a rope.

  Tying my hands behind my back, I’m now truly his toy under his control and will do what he orders. I relish in the fact that I will be rewarded for obeying his command.

  Getting on all fours, he stares into my soul, while one of his hands pulls my pants down. He leaves my panties on as he starts to suck on my exposed breasts one at a time. Those hands of his are rubbing against the top of my panties as he slowly places his fingers back against my sex.

  Teasing me, he palms the top of my entrance but does not push his fingers inside. His mouth moves lower and lower as I continue to squirm trying to force his fingers into me. But he’s in control and will not allow this yet.

  I’m dying to put my hands through his hair and push his head against me, down hard against my sex.

  Taste me, Aiden, please!

  With his mouth lingering over my panties, he breathes in the scent of me. The animalistic fire in his eyes excites me about what is going to happen next.

  Oh, how I want to use my hands to pull him into me, but they’re still tied.

  I think he enjoys seeing me quiver and struggle beneath him, knowing I’m aching to get him inside me.

  Using his teeth, he slowly pulls down my panties. He removes them along with my pants, freeing my legs from their restraint. Using his sturdy hands, he firmly holds my legs apart, as his mouth finally m
akes contact against my folds.

  I moan out in pleasure as his tongue feverishly explores me. My insides tighten as I get closer and closer to release. Pushing my hips up, I try to force his mouth harder against my sex since he won’t let me grab the back of his head. But he holds me down firmly in place and does not give me the release my body is begging for. I’m so close, but he pulls back off of me leaving me on edge once again.

  I cannot help myself as I breathlessly moan out, “Please, Aiden. Give it to me.”

  He reaches behind me and pulls the rope off my hands, freeing them. He undresses quickly and while sitting upright, pulls me on top of him. My hands are finally free to pull his hard, built body against mine.

  His beautiful cock presses up against my pulsating folds as he grabs my hips and pulls me down onto his shaft. He forcibly pushes me back and forth, hard against him.

  My fingers claw down his back as I get closer and closer to heaven underneath these stars. His command of my body is sending me over the edge. I moan out loudly as I come, gushing hard against him. My body is thrashing against him as he continues to rock against me, pushing harder and deeper, until he finally he gets his release inside me.

  I’m spent as he pulls me down against him in one of the swags. We lie with our naked bodies pressed against each other while we keep staring up at the stars. I want to stay lost in this man’s arms forever.

  Whispering to me, he says, “Holly, did you see your shooting star?”

  I have fallen blissfully asleep against him, so I do not answer.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  EVEN BEFORE OPENING my eyes, I inhale the earthy scent of leather, reminding me that Aiden is wrapped around my body. His brawny thighs entangle my own, keeping me comfortably warm in this single swag.

  I don’t want to let go of this man, yet I resist the temptation to hold him tighter, disrupting his sleep. I stroke the soft skin of his cheek. My fingertips rove the prickly stubble of his chin that left my flesh with a delicious rawness last night.